CN215451206U

CN215451206U - Movable member and input device

Info

Publication number: CN215451206U
Application number: CN202090000324.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 中尾亮介
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2020-01-15
Publication date: 2022-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-15
Also published as: EP3916747A1; WO2020153181A1; EP3916747A4; US20220102090A1; JPWO2020153181A1; JP7432825B2

Abstract

The movable member includes: an elastic deformation portion which is bent to protrude upward and includes a movable electrode; and a support portion having a leg portion extending from a peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion so as to be adjacent downward, an extending protrusion extending from the leg portion so as to be adjacent upward, and a connecting portion connecting the leg portion and the extending protrusion. The leg portion protrudes at a middle portion of the leg portion between both end portions of the leg portion in the width direction, a boundary between the leg portion and the extending protrusion portion is arc-shaped in a plan view, and a lower surface of the connecting portion is a convex curved surface protruding downward.

Description

Movable member and input device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a movable member and an input device, and particularly to a movable member and an input device for input to various electronic apparatuses.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a push-on switch. The push-on switch of patent document 1 includes a box-shaped housing made of insulating resin and having a recess opened upward. The inner bottom surface of the recess of the housing is formed as a contact arrangement portion whose central portion is circular and is further recessed. The outer fixed contacts are arranged at the outer peripheral position of the bottom of the contact arrangement portion and the center fixed contact is arranged at the center thereof in an electrically independent state. The push-on switch includes a movable contact formed in a dome shape having a convex shape, and made of a thin metal plate having good conductivity, and the lower end of the outer peripheral portion of the dome shape is placed on the outer fixed contact in the contact arrangement portion.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2006-120397

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

When the on-switch is pressed, the lower end of the outer periphery of the movable contact slides on the outer fixed contact. Thereby, the outer fixed contact is ground, and grinding powder is generated. Such grinding powder can be a cause of a decrease in reliability (particularly, long-term reliability) of the push-on switch (input device).

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a movable member and an input device capable of improving reliability.

A movable member according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an elastic deformation portion which is bent to protrude upward and includes a movable electrode; and a support portion having a leg portion extending from a peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion so as to be adjacent downward, an extending protrusion extending from the leg portion so as to be adjacent upward, and a connecting portion connecting the leg portion and the extending protrusion. The leg portion protrudes at a middle portion of the leg portion between both end portions of the leg portion in the width direction, a boundary between the leg portion and the extending protrusion portion is arc-shaped in a plan view, and a lower surface of the connecting portion is a convex curved surface protruding downward.

An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a fixed electrode; a base having a mounting surface on which the fixed electrode is mounted; and the movable member described above, wherein the movable member is placed on the front placement surface such that the movable electrode and the fixed electrode face each other, and the convex curved surface of the movable member abuts against the front placement surface.

According to the present disclosure, the reliability can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device according to embodiment 1 in state 1.

Fig. 1B is a partial view of a portion shown by P in fig. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the input device according to embodiment 1 in state 2.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a housing of the input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a movable member of the input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the movable member of the input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the movable member of the input device.

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the movable member of the input device.

Fig. 10A is a sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 8 and 9.

Fig. 10B is a sectional view taken along line B-B in fig. 8 and 9.

Fig. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a method of manufacturing the movable member of the input device.

Fig. 11B is an explanatory diagram of a method of manufacturing the movable member of the input device.

Fig. 11C is an explanatory diagram of a method of manufacturing the movable member of the input device.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an input device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the input device of comparative example 1.

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an input device of comparative example 2.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an input device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a movable member of the input device according to modification 1.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a movable member of the input device according to modification 2.

Detailed Description

1. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

1.1 embodiment 1

1.1.1 summary

Fig. 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The input device 1 includes a movable member 3. As shown in fig. 6 to 9, the movable member 3 includes an elastically deformable portion 30 and a support portion 31. The elastic deformation portion 30 includes a movable electrode 8 having a 1 st surface 81 and a 2 nd surface 82. The support portion 31 has: a leg 311 projecting from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30 in the 1 st direction toward the 1 st surface 81, and an extension projection 312 projecting from the tip of the leg 311 in the 2 nd direction opposite to the 1 st direction. As shown in fig. 10A, the leg 311 protrudes further at a middle portion 311b between both end portions 311a than both end portions 311a in the width direction of the leg 311. As shown in fig. 8, the boundary between the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312 is arc-shaped in a plan view. The boundary portion has a convex curved surface 310 facing the 1 st direction as shown in fig. 1B. For ease of description, a portion connecting the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312 may be referred to as a "connection portion 317". The lower surface of the connecting portion 317 is a convex curved surface 310.

In the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like, which indicate directions, are used for description, but these terms merely indicate relative positional relationships, and do not limit the present disclosure.

The input device 1 further includes a base 21. The base 21 has a mounting surface S10 on which the fixed electrode 7 is mounted. The movable member 3 includes a movable electrode 8 facing the fixed electrode 7, and a support portion 31 supported by the mounting surface S10. The movable member 3 can be deformed so that the movable electrode 8 approaches the fixed electrode 7. The support portion 31 has a convex curved surface 310, and is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310. In other words, the movable member 3 is placed on the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310 such that the movable electrode 8 faces the fixed electrode 7.

In the input device 1, the movable member 3 is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310 of the support portion 31. Therefore, generation of grinding powder due to sliding of the movable member 3 on the mounting surface S10 can be reduced. Further, since the support portion 31 has the convex curved surface 310, the grinding powder can be removed, and the grinding powder can be prevented from being accumulated between the convex curved surface 310 and the placement surface S10. Therefore, a decrease in reliability (particularly long-term reliability) due to the generation of the grinding powder can be suppressed. Thus, the movable member 3 and the input device 1 can improve reliability.

1.1.2 details

The movable member 3 and the input device 1 will be described in further detail below. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the input device 1. The input device 1 is a so-called push-button switch. The input device 1 is used for input to various electronic devices such as a portable information terminal, an in-vehicle device, and a home appliance. The input device 1 is incorporated in a housing of an apparatus in a state of being mounted on a printed circuit board, for example. In this case, the operation button 10 is disposed at a position corresponding to the input device 1 in the housing, for example, as an intermediate member (see fig. 1A and 2). Thus, when the operator presses the operation button 10, the input device 1 is indirectly operated via the operation button 10.

As shown in fig. 4, the input device 1 includes: a housing 2, a movable member 3, a presser 5, a holding body 6, and conductive members (1 st and 2 nd conductive members) 91, 92.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the case 2 houses the movable member 3, the pusher 5, the holding body 6, and the

conductive members

91 and 92. The housing 2 includes a base (body) 21 and a cover 22.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the base 21 has a flat quadrangular (e.g., square) box shape. The base 21 has electrical insulation. As an example, the base 21 is made of synthetic resin. The base 21 has a recess 210 on one surface (upper surface in fig. 4) in the thickness direction. The recess 210 constitutes a space for accommodating the movable member 3. The bottom surface 211 of the recess 210 constitutes a part of a mounting surface S10 on which the movable member 3 is mounted. As shown in fig. 5, the recess 210 has a 1 st space 210a having a circular shape in a plan view, and a plurality of (4 in the present embodiment) 2 nd spaces 210b protruding outward from the 1 st space 210 a. The 42 nd spaces 210b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the 1 st space 210 a. The base 21 has a pair of protrusions 212 on both side surfaces (front side surface and rear side surface). The pair of protrusions 212 are separated in the left-right direction.

As shown in fig. 4, the cover 22 is attached to the base 21 so as to cover a part of the recess 210 of the base 21. The cover 22 is made of metal. The housing 22 has a plate portion 220. The flat plate portion 220 has a quadrangular shape (e.g., a square shape) in a plan view. Four sides of the flat plate portion 220 are provided with two 1 st protruding pieces 231 and two 2 nd protruding pieces 232 protruding downward. The two 1 st protruding pieces 231 and the two 2 nd protruding pieces 232 are rectangular plate-shaped. The two 1 st protruding pieces 231 are opposed to each other at a distance in the left-right direction, and the two 2 nd protruding pieces 232 are opposed to each other at a distance in the front-rear direction. The two 1 st protruding pieces 231 and the two 2 nd protruding pieces 232 are in contact with the holding body 6, and the holding body 6 is positioned with respect to the case 2 in a plan view. The two 2 nd projecting pieces 232 are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction, and each have a pair of hooking claws 233 projecting from the front end. The pair of hooking claws 233 are separated from each other. The base 21 and the cover 22 are coupled to each other by hooking the pair of hooking claws 233 of the two 2 nd projecting pieces 232 to the pair of protrusions 212 of the base 21. Further, a through hole 24 is provided in the center of the flat plate portion 220 of the cover 22. The through hole 24 is a hole for exposing the pusher 5. The through hole 24 has a circular shape in plan view.

The 1 st conductive member 91 and the 2 nd conductive member 92 are each made of a material having conductivity (a metal plate in the present embodiment). The 1 st conductive member 91 and the 2 nd conductive member 92 are mounted to the base 21 so as not to contact each other. In particular, in the present embodiment, the 1 st conductive member 91 and the 2 nd conductive member 92 are integrated with the base 21 by insert molding. That is, the base 21 is insert-molded with the 1 st conductive member 91 and the 2 nd conductive member 92 as insert products.

As shown in fig. 4, the 1 st conductive member 91 has an electrode (fixed electrode) 7 and a terminal (1 st terminal 11). The 1 st conductive member 91 has a portion exposed at the center of the bottom surface 211 of the recess 210 of the base 21, and the fixed electrode 7 is provided at this portion. Thus, the fixed electrode 7 is provided so as to be exposed on the mounting surface S10. The fixed electrode 7 has a circular shape in plan view. The 1 st terminal 11 protrudes outward from the side surface of the base 21. The 1 st terminal 11 can be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to a conductive member on a printed board on which the input device 1 is mounted, for example, by soldering.

As shown in fig. 4, the 2 nd conductive member 92 has an electrode (support electrode 921) and a terminal (2 nd terminal 12). The support electrode 921 has a frame shape. The support electrode 921 is exposed on the bottom surface 211 of the recess 210. In particular, the support electrode 921 is exposed on the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 211 while avoiding the fixed electrode 7 at the central portion of the bottom surface 211 of the recess 210. At least the support electrode 921 is exposed at a position corresponding to each 2 nd space 210b of the recess 210. The surface of the support electrode 921 is flush with the bottom surface 211, and forms a mounting surface S10 together with the bottom surface 211. The 2 nd terminal 12 protrudes outward from the side surface of the base 21. Specifically, the 2 nd terminal 12 protrudes from the side surface of the base 21 on the opposite side to the 1 st terminal 11. The 2 nd terminal 12 can be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to a conductive member on a printed board on which the input device 1 is mounted, for example, by soldering.

The movable member 3 will be described below with reference to fig. 4 to 9, 10A and 10B, and 11A to 11C. As shown in fig. 4 to 9, the movable member 3 is a circular plate as a whole. In addition, fig. 8 is a plan view of the movable member 3, and fig. 9 is a bottom view of the movable member 3, but since the appearance is similar, dots are hatched in fig. 9 in order to distinguish them.

The movable member 3 includes an elastically deformable portion 30 and a support portion (a plurality of support portions in the present embodiment) 31. The movable member 3 has conductivity. In the present embodiment, the movable member 3 is formed of a material having elasticity, and the elastically deformable portion 30 is integrated with the support portion 31. As the material having elasticity, a metal plate is exemplified. As an example, a metal plate made of stainless steel (SUS301) having a thickness of 0.075mm can be used as the material of the movable member 3. The metal plate may be covered with a film (e.g., a plating film) of a metal (gold, silver) having higher electrical conductivity than the material (e.g., stainless steel) of the metal plate, if necessary.

The elastic deformation portion 30 is dome-shaped. In particular, the elastically deforming part 30 has a circular shape in a plan view. The elastic deformation portion 30 is a so-called metal dome. One surface (upper surface in fig. 4) in the thickness direction of the elastic deformation portion 30 is convex, and the center portion thereof constitutes a pressure receiving portion 32. When the pressure receiving portion 32 of the elastic deformation portion 30 is pressed, as shown in fig. 2, the elastic deformation portion 30 is elastically deformed, thereby generating a click feeling. More specifically, the center portion of the elastic deformation portion 30 is inverted by the elastic deformation and becomes a concave state from a convex state. In this way, when the pressure receiving portion 32 is pressed, the elastic deformation portion 30 elastically deforms so that the pressure receiving portion 32 is depressed, thereby generating a click feeling. In the present embodiment, the movable electrode 8 is configured by a portion corresponding to the central portion (pressure receiving portion 32) of the elastic deformation portion 30. As shown in fig. 1A and 6 to 9, the movable electrode 8 has a 1 st surface 81 and a 2 nd surface 82. The 1 st surface 81 is a surface of the movable electrode 8 facing the fixed electrode 7 (a surface facing the mounting surface S10), and the 2 nd surface 82 is a surface opposite to the 1 st surface 81. In the present embodiment, the 1 st surface 81 is a concave surface, and the 2 nd surface 82 is a convex surface. The movable electrode 8 is a central portion of the elastic deformation portion 30. Therefore, the elastic deformation portion 30 can be deformed by pressing the 2 nd surface 82 of the movable electrode 8 so that the movable electrode 8 moves in the 1 st direction toward which the 1 st surface 81 faces. The direction toward the 1 st surface 81 is considered with respect to the reference point of the 1 st surface 81. In the present embodiment, the reference point of the 1 st surface 81 is the center of the 1 st surface 81 and is the most recessed portion. Here, the 1 st direction may also be referred to as a direction from the movable electrode 8 toward the fixed electrode 7. Here, the 1 st direction is downward. Further, the 2 nd direction is upward.

The plurality of (4 in the present embodiment) supporting portions 31 are portions of the movable member 3 supported by the mounting surface S10. Each support portion 31 protrudes from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30. As shown in fig. 5, the 4 support portions 31 radially extend from the elastically deforming portion 30 (movable electrode 8) in a plan view. The 4 support portions 31 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the elastic deformation portion 30. Thus, the support portion 31 is arranged to surround the elastic deformation portion 30.

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, each support portion 31 is plate-shaped and has a narrower width toward the distal end. Further, each support portion 31 has a leg portion 311 and an extended protruding portion 312. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the leg portion 311 extends from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30 toward the mounting surface S10. In other words, as shown in fig. 7, the leg portion 311 protrudes in the 1 st direction (the direction in which the 1 st surface 81 of the movable electrode 8 faces). Here, the phrase "the leg portion 311 protrudes in the 1 st direction" includes not only the leg portion 311 protruding in the same direction as the 1 st direction but also protruding in a direction having an angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the 1 st direction. In short, if the vector of the direction in which the leg 311 protrudes includes a component in the same direction as the 1 st direction, it can be said that the leg 311 protrudes in the 1 st direction. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the extension projection 312 extends from the tip of the leg 311 in a direction away from the placement surface S10. Therefore, the input device 1 has the extension projection 312 extending in the direction away from the mounting surface S10 at the tip of the leg portion 311. In other words, the extension projection 312 projects from the tip of the leg 311 in the 2 nd direction opposite to the 1 st direction as shown in fig. 8. Here, the phrase "the extension protrusion 312 protrudes in the 2 nd direction" includes not only the extension protrusion 312 protrudes in the same direction as the 2 nd direction but also the protrusion in a direction having an angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the 2 nd direction. In short, if the vector of the direction in which the extended protrusion 312 protrudes includes a component in the same direction as the 2 nd direction, it can be said that the extended protrusion 312 protrudes in the 2 nd direction. In this way, the input device 1 has the extension projection 312 extending in the direction away from the placement surface S10 at the tip of the leg portion 311.

In other words, the leg portion 311 extends from the peripheral edge of the elastically deformable portion 30 so as to approach downward, and the extending projection 312 extends from the leg portion 311 so as to approach upward.

As shown in fig. 1B, the support portion 31 is L-shaped in side view. In the support portion 31, the lower surface of the connecting portion 317 between the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312 is a convex curved surface 310. The support portion 31 is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310. In the case of the configuration having the convex curved surface 310 in contact with the placement surface S10, the convex curved surface 310 may be formed by one bending line, but two or more bending lines may be provided at adjacent positions and a plurality of convex curved surfaces may be provided. In this configuration, the convex curved surface 310 may be formed by contacting the convex curved surface corresponding to one of the two or more curved lines with the placement surface S10.

The movable member 3 can be formed by punching and bending a metal plate. As an example, the method of manufacturing the movable member 3 may include a punching step, a 1 st bending step, and a 2 nd bending step. In the punching step, as shown in fig. 11A, a portion 300 used as the movable member 3 is formed by punching of a metal body. The portion 300 has: a 1 st portion 301 serving as the elastic deformation portion 30, and a plurality of (4) 2 nd portions 302 serving as the support portions 31, respectively. Portion 1 301 is circular in shape. The 2 nd part 302 protrudes from the periphery of the 1 st part 301. The 2 nd portion 302 protrudes in a direction along the radial direction of the 1 st portion 301. In the 1 st bending step, as shown in fig. 11B, the 1 st portion 301 is bent as a whole to form the elastically deformable portion 30. Here, the portion 300 is entirely curved in a spherical shape. Further, the 2 nd part 302 is bent with respect to the 1 st part 301. The degree of bending is determined by the angle between the elastically deformable portion 30 and the leg portion 311 of the support portion 31. In addition, it is not necessary to bend the 2 nd part 302 with respect to the 1 st part 301 depending on the angle between the elastically deformable portion 30 and the leg portion 311 of the support portion 31. In the 2 nd bending step, as shown in fig. 11C, the 2 nd portion 302 to be the support portion 31 is bent. Here, the tip portion of the 2 nd portion is bent along the curved line 313 (see fig. 5), not along a straight line. The curve is a circular arc. The center of the circular arc coincides with the center of the elastic deformation portion 30.

In this way, the support portion 31 (the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312) is formed by bending the tip portion of the metal plate (the 2 nd portion 302) to be the support portion 31. Therefore, the convex curved surface 310 is formed by bending processing for forming the extension protrusion 312. In the present embodiment, the radius of curvature R (see fig. 1B) of the convex curved surface 310 is 0.2 mm. The radius of curvature R may be 0.15mm or more. On the other hand, the radius of curvature R may be 0.25mm or less.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tip portion of the metal plate (No. 2 part 302) to be the support portion 31 is bent along a curved line 313 (see fig. 5), not along a straight line. Therefore, as shown in fig. 5 to 7, the lower surface of the boundary portion (the connecting portion 317) between the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312 has an arc shape. Therefore, the contact portion of the convex curved surface 310 with the mounting surface S10 is arc-shaped. In other words, the convex curved surface 310 can be configured to linearly contact the placement surface S10. Thus, physical stability and electrical stability are improved. For example, in the case of a shape in which the leg portion 311 is bent upward in the width direction as in the present embodiment, if a boundary portion is formed so as to be bent not in the curved line 313 but in a straight line in a plan view, a difference may occur in the height position between both ends and the middle portion in the width direction. In the boundary portion of this structure, the placement surface S10 is limited to a point contact state at the end portions at both ends in the width direction. This structure becomes an important factor for generating the swing in a state where the movable member is placed on the placement surface S10. Further, since the boundary portion is in point contact with the mounting surface S10, it is also difficult to obtain electrical stability. In contrast, by providing the boundary portion bent along the curved line 313 according to the present embodiment, the convex curved surface 310 linearly contacts the mounting surface S10, and the physical characteristics and the electrical characteristics are stabilized. In particular, as shown in fig. 5, the contact portion of the convex curved surface 310 with the mounting surface S10 (the boundary portion between the leg portion 311 and the extending projection 312) extends in an arc shape with the movable electrode 8 (the elastically deforming portion 30) as the center in a plan view. Therefore, the contact portion of the convex curved surface 310 with the mounting surface S10 is located on the circle C10 centered on the movable electrode 8 (elastically deformable portion 30). With this setting, the contact state of the contact portion of the convex curved surface 310 with the placement surface S10 is linear and the contact is easily performed in a balanced state. This further facilitates sliding of the support portion 31 of the movable member 3 on the placement surface S10. In addition, the elastic deformation portion 30 has a circular outer periphery extending around the movable electrode 8 in a plan view. Therefore, the circle C10 is concentric with the outer periphery of the elastic deformation portion 30. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the outer periphery of the elastically deforming portion 30 is 4.5mm, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the movable member 3 (the circle against which the tip of the extending protrusion 312 of the movable member 3 abuts) is 5.8 mm. In this case, the diameter of the circle C10 is in the range of 4.8 to 5.6mm, and 5.4mm is an example. In other words, the radius of curvature of the boundary between the leg 311 and the extension projection 312 is in the range of 2.4 to 2.8mm, and 2.7mm is an example.

As shown in fig. 10A, the leg 311 has both ends 311a in the width direction and an intermediate portion 311b between the both ends 311a, and the intermediate portion 311b protrudes upward from the both ends 311 a. In the present embodiment, the leg portion 311 is bent in the width direction of the leg portion 311 such that the middle portion 311b protrudes upward beyond the both end portions 311 a. The intermediate portion 311b of the leg portion 311 is most protruded at the center of the intermediate portion 311b (the center of the leg portion 311). The radius of curvature of the surface of the leg 311 in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the leg 311 (the direction in which the leg 311 protrudes) can be appropriately set in accordance with the operating force (pressing force, click rate) of the movable member 3. For example, when the movable member 3 is made of stainless steel (SUS301) having a thickness of 0.075mm, the pressing force is 2.2N, and the click rate is 55%, the curvature radius may be 6.0 to 8.0mm, for example, 6.9 mm. The center of the leg 311 in the width direction protrudes in the 2 nd direction. This is because the leg portion 311 extends from the peripheral edge of the dome-shaped elastic deformation portion 30. The width direction of the leg portion 311 is a direction in which both the protruding direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction) of the leg portion 311 and the thickness direction of the leg portion 311 are orthogonal to each other.

As shown in fig. 10B, the extending portion 312 has both end portions 312a in the width direction and an intermediate portion 312B between the both end portions 312a, and the intermediate portion 312B protrudes downward from the both end portions 312 a. In the present embodiment, the extension protrusion 312 is bent in the width direction of the extension protrusion 312 such that the middle portion 312b protrudes downward than the both end portions 312 a. The intermediate portion 312b of the extension projection 312 is most projected at the center of the intermediate portion 312b (the center of the extension projection 312). The widthwise center of the extension projection 312 projects in the 1 st direction. In other words, the center in the width direction of the leg portion 311 and the center in the width direction of the extension projection 312 project toward opposite sides. This is because the extension projection 312 is formed by bending the distal end portion of the metal plate as the support portion 31 along a curved line 313 (see fig. 5) instead of a straight line. The width direction of the extended protrusion 312 is a direction in which both the direction in which the extended protrusion 312 protrudes (i.e., the longitudinal direction) and the thickness direction of the extended protrusion 312 are orthogonal to each other.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1B, the lower end of the lower surface (convex curved surface 310) of the connecting portion 317 is a circular arc-shaped line. This line is represented as point a in fig. 1B. Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view, and therefore is indicated as point a, but is actually a line extending from the front to the rear in fig. 1B, and the line is drawn as an arc when viewed from below. The height positions of the arc-shaped lines in the vertical direction are the same. For example, referring to fig. 7, the arc-shaped line substantially extends along the line indicated as the convex curved surface 310 shown in fig. 7.

In other words, the lower end of the lower surface (convex curved surface 310) of the connecting portion 317 is an arc-shaped line having the same height position.

As shown in fig. 5, the movable member 3 is accommodated in the recess 210 of the base 21 and placed on the placement surface S10. Specifically, the 4 support portions 31 are placed on the support electrodes 921 of the 2 nd conductive member 92 so as to be located in the 42 nd spaces 210b of the recess 210, respectively. Thereby, the movable electrode 8 of the elastic deformation portion 30 is held at a position facing the fixed electrode 7 of the case 2. Since the elastically deformable portion 30 is elastically deformable, the movable member 3 can be (elastically) deformed so that the movable electrode 8 approaches the fixed electrode 7 (see fig. 1A and 2).

The presser 5 is a member for pressing the pressure receiving portion 32 of the elastically deformable portion 30 of the movable member 3. The presser 5 has electrical insulation. The pressing piece 5 is formed of a material having elasticity (rubber in the present embodiment). The pressing member 5 is solid and cylindrical. The presser 5 is disposed on the opposite side of the movable member 3 from the fixed electrode 7 so as to face the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3. In the present embodiment, normally, the pusher 5 and the movable member 3 are not in contact, and a gap is present between the pusher 5 and the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3.

The holding body 6 is a member for attaching the pusher 5 to the housing 2. The holding body 6 has electrical insulation. The holding body 6 is formed of a material having elasticity (rubber in the present embodiment). As shown in fig. 4, the holding body 6 has a main portion 61 and a table portion 62. As shown in fig. 1A, the main portion 61 has a hollow truncated cone shape. The main portion 61 is integrally connected to an intermediate portion of a side surface of the pusher 5 at an opening end on a side away from the base 21 (an upper opening end in fig. 1A). In other words, in the present embodiment, the pusher 5 and the holding body 6 are integrally formed. The table portion 62 has a rectangular frame shape having a circular opening. The main portion 61 is integrally connected to the inner surface of the table portion 62 at an opening end (lower opening end in fig. 1A) on a side close to the base 21. The table portion 62 is sandwiched between the base 21 and the cover 22 and fixed to the housing 2.

1.1.3 actions

Hereinafter, the operation of the input device 1 will be described. The input device 1 has a 1 st state shown in fig. 1A and a 2 nd state shown in fig. 2. In the 1 st state, the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3 is not elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is not in contact with the fixed electrode 7. Therefore, in the 1 st state, the 1 st terminal 11 and the 2 nd terminal 12 are not in conduction. In the 2 nd state, the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3 is elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is brought into contact with the fixed electrode 7. Therefore, in the 2 nd state, the 1 st terminal 11 and the 2 nd terminal 12 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the 1 st state and the 2 nd state can be referred to as an off state and an on state, respectively.

In order to change the input device 1 from the 1 st state to the 2 nd state, the operator may press the pressing tool 5 with a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Thereby, the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3 is pressed toward the mounting surface S10 via the presser 5. Thereby, the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3 is gradually deformed. When the magnitude of the force pressing the elastically deformable portion 30 exceeds a certain value, the elastically deformable portion 30 is bent sharply and deformed largely (see fig. 2). By the reverse operation of the elastic deformation portion 30, a click feeling (click feeling) is given to the operator who presses the pressing tool 5 along with the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion 30. When the elastic deformation portion 30 is deformed as described above, the movable electrode 8 contacts the fixed electrode 7, and the 1 st terminal 11 and the 2 nd terminal 12 are electrically connected to each other as shown in fig. 2. Thus, the input device 1 is in the 2 nd state.

In order to change the input device 1 from the 2 nd state to the 1 st state, the operator may stop pressing the pusher 5. When the pressing piece 5 is not pressed, the elastically deforming part 30 returns to the original shape by the restoring force. When the elastically deformable portion 30 is in the original shape, as shown in fig. 1A, the movable electrode 8 is separated from the fixed electrode 7, and then the 1 st terminal 11 and the 2 nd terminal 12 are not electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the input device 1 enters the 1 st state.

1.1.4 testing

When switching between the 1 st state and the 2 nd state of the input device 1 is performed, the support portion 31 slides on the placement surface S10 (the support electrode 921 in the present embodiment) due to the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3. When support unit 31 slides on mounting surface S10, mounting surface S10 is slightly ground by support unit 31, and grinding powder 500 is generated (see fig. 12). If the number of times of switching between the 1 st state and the 2 nd state of the input device 1 increases, eventually, as shown in fig. 12, the groove 400 may be generated in the mounting surface S10, and the grinding powder 500 may be accumulated in the groove 400. The grinding powder 500 is generally a metal oxide and has electrical insulation. Therefore, if a large amount of the grinding powder 500 is accumulated in the concave groove 400, the electrical characteristics of the support portion 31 and the support electrode 921 deteriorate. This brings about a reduction in reliability of the input apparatus 1.

In the input device 1, the movable member 3 contacts the placement surface S10 on the convex curved surface 310 of the support portion 31. Therefore, generation of the grinding powder 500 due to sliding of the movable member 3 on the mounting surface S10 can be reduced. Further, since the support portion 31 has the convex curved surface 310, the grinding powder 500 can be removed, and the grinding powder 500 can be prevented from being accumulated between the convex curved surface 310 and the mounting surface S10 (in the groove 400 of the mounting surface S10). Therefore, a decrease in reliability (particularly long-term reliability) due to the generation of the grinding powder 500 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the input device 1, reliability can be improved.

In order to confirm the advantages of the input device 1, tests were performed using comparative example 1 (see fig. 13) and comparative example 2 (see fig. 14).

As shown in fig. 13, comparative example 1 is an input device having a support portion 31a different from the support portion 31 of the input device 1. The support portion 31a has leg portions 311 similarly to the support portion 31, but has extension projections 312 extending from the distal ends of the leg portions 311 along the placement surface S10 instead of the extension projections 312 shown in fig. 12 (see fig. 13). As shown in fig. 13, the support portion 31a is in contact with the mounting surface S10 on one surface of the extension projection 312, i.e., a flat surface.

As shown in fig. 14, comparative example 2 is an input device having a support portion 31b different from the support portion 31 of the input device 1. The support portion 31b has the leg portion 311, but does not have the extension projection 312, similarly to the support portion 31. As shown in fig. 14, the supporting portion 31b contacts the mounting surface S10 through the corner of the tip of the leg portion 311.

In the test, switching between the 1 st state and the 2 nd state of the input device (pressing operation of the pressing tool 5) was repeated a predetermined number of times. Then, as a result of the test, the state of the mounting surface S10 was observed, and the input device 1, comparative example 1, and comparative example 2 were evaluated.

In the input device 1, the amount of the grinding powder is significantly smaller than in comparative example 1 and comparative example 2. This is considered to be because the support portion 31 is in contact with the mounting surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310, so that the generation of the grinding powder 500 is reduced, and further, the support portion 31 removes the grinding powder 500 by the convex curved surface 310 and sweeps the grinding powder 500 out of the recess 400.

In contrast, in comparative example 1, as shown in fig. 13, the support portion 31a is in contact with the mounting surface S10 on one surface, i.e., a flat surface, of the extension portion 312. Therefore, it is considered that the grinding powder 510 is hardly swept out of the groove 410 formed by the grinding mounting surface S10, and the grinding powder 510 is accumulated in the groove 410. Therefore, the input device 1 is expected to have a smaller amount of grinding powder deposited between the support portion and the placement surface than in comparative example 1, and to improve reliability.

In comparative example 2, as shown in fig. 14, the supporting portion 31b contacts the mounting surface S10 via the corner of the tip of the leg portion 311. Therefore, it is considered that the grooves 420 formed by grinding the mounting surface S10 are deeper than those of the input device 1 and the comparative example 1, and the grinding powder 520 is more likely to be accumulated. Therefore, the input device 1 is expected to have a smaller amount of grinding powder deposited between the support portion and the placement surface than in comparative example 2, and to improve reliability.

1.2 embodiment 2

Fig. 15 shows an input device 101 according to embodiment 2. The input device 101 is a button switch similar to the input device 1. As shown in fig. 16, the input device 101 includes a base 110, a movable member 3, a spacer 120, a cover 130, and a pressing member 140. The movable member 3 has the same structure as that of embodiment 1.

The base 110 includes a substrate (wiring substrate, printed circuit board). As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the base 110 has a flat quadrangular (e.g., square) plate shape. One surface (upper surface in fig. 15 and 16) in the thickness direction of the base 110 constitutes a mounting surface 110a on which the movable member 3 is mounted. Further, an electrode (fixed electrode) 111 and an electrode (support electrode) 112 are provided on the mounting surface 110 a. The fixed electrode 111 has a circular shape in a plan view. The support electrode 112 has a circular ring shape in a plan view. The fixed electrode 111 is located inside the support electrode 112. Further, the fixed electrode 111 coincides with the center of the support electrode 112. The fixed electrode 111 and the support electrode 112 can be provided by a conventionally known technique such as an additive method (full-additive method or half-additive method) or a subtractive method.

As in embodiment 1, the movable member 3 is mounted on the mounting surface 110a by the convex curved surface 310 (see fig. 1B) such that the movable electrode 8 faces the fixed electrode 111. In particular, the support portion 31 of the movable member 3 is located on the support electrode 112. In other words, the support portion 31 contacts the support electrode 112 through the convex curved surface 310.

The spacer 120 is used to form a space for accommodating the movable member 3 between the base 110 and the housing 130. The separator 120 is a film. The spacer 120 has a circular ring shape in a plan view. The inner diameter of the spacer 120 is larger than the outer diameter of the sustain electrode 112. The spacer 120 is disposed on the mounting surface 110a of the base 110 so as to surround the fixed electrode 111 and the support electrode 112. In addition, the spacer 120 has electrical insulation. As an example, the spacer 120 is made of synthetic resin.

The cover 130 covers the movable member 3 and is attached to the base 110. In the present embodiment, the cover 130 is attached to the base 110 with the spacer 120 interposed therebetween. The housing 130 is a film. The housing 130 is circular in plan view. The housing 130 has: an annular fixed portion 131 attached to the spacer 120, and a dome portion 132 located inside the fixed portion 131 and covering the movable member 3. The housing 130 has electrical insulation. Further, the cover 130 has flexibility, and thus the pressure receiving portion 32 is easily pressed by the cover 130. As an example, the cover 130 is a film made of synthetic resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate). The material of the cover 130 is not limited to synthetic resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and may be a material having elasticity (rubber, etc.).

The pressing piece 140 is a member for pressing the pressure receiving portion 32 of the elastically deformable portion 30 of the movable member 3. In more detail, the pressing piece 140 is a member for effectively transmitting the force applied to the outer cover 130 to the pressure receiving portion 32. The pressing member 140 has electrical insulation. As an example, the pressing member 140 can be formed by punching a synthetic resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) film. The material of the pressing member 140 is not limited to synthetic resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and may be a material having elasticity (e.g., rubber). The pressing member 140 has a solid cylindrical shape. The presser 140 is disposed on the movable member 3 on the opposite side from the fixed electrode 111 so as to face the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3. In the present embodiment, the pressing pieces 140 are interposed between the movable member 3 and the housing 130 in a state of being in contact therewith, respectively.

The operation of the input device 101 will be described below. The input device 101 has a 1 st state and a 2 nd state. In the 1 st state, the elastically deformable portion 30 of the movable member 3 is not elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is not in contact with the fixed electrode 111. In the 2 nd state, the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3 is elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is in contact with the fixed electrode 111.

In order to change the input device 1 from the 1 st state to the 2 nd state, the operator may press the pressing tool 140 with a force of a predetermined value or more through the cover 130. Thereby, the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3 is pressed toward the mounting surface S10 via the presser 140. Thereby, the elastic deformation portion 30 of the movable member 3 is gradually deformed. When the magnitude of the force pressing the elastic deformation portion 30 exceeds a certain value, the elastic deformation portion 30 is bent sharply and deformed largely. By the reverse operation of the elastic deformation portion 30, a click feeling (click feeling) is given to the operator who presses the pressing tool 140 along with the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion 30. When the elastic deformation portion 30 is deformed as described above, the movable electrode 8 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 111. Therefore, the input device 101 enters the 2 nd state.

In order to change the input device 101 from the 2 nd state to the 1 st state, the operator may stop pressing the pressing tool 140. When the pressing tool 140 is not pressed, the elastically deformable portion 30 returns to the original shape by the restoring force. When the elastically deformable portion 30 is in the original shape, the movable electrode 8 is separated from the fixed electrode 111. Therefore, the input device 101 is in the 1 st state.

In the input device 101, the movable member 3 is in contact with the placement surface 110a by the convex curved surface 310 of the support portion 31. Therefore, generation of grinding powder due to sliding of the movable member 3 on the mounting surface 110a can be reduced. Further, since the support portion 31 has the convex curved surface 310, the grinding powder can be removed, and the accumulation of the grinding powder between the convex curved surface 310 and the mounting surface 110a can be suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in reliability (particularly long-term reliability) due to the generation of the grinding powder can be suppressed. Thus, the movable member 3 and the input device 101 can improve reliability.

2. Modification example

The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways according to design and the like, as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

For example, the shape of the movable member 3 is not limited to the shape shown in the above embodiment.

2.1 modification 1

Fig. 17 shows a movable member 3A of the input device according to modification 1. The movable member 3A as a whole has a quadrangular (e.g., square) plate shape. The movable member 3A has a dome-shaped elastic deformation portion 30 at its center portion. The movable member 3A has support portions 31A at its four corners. Each support portion 31A has a leg portion 311A and an extended protruding portion 312A. The leg 311A extends from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30 toward the mounting surface S10. The extension projection 312A extends from the tip of the leg 311A in a direction away from the placement surface S10. In other words, the support portion 31A is L-shaped in side view. The boundary between (the surface on the mounting surface S10 side of) leg 311A of support portion 31A and (the surface on the mounting surface S10 side of) extending protrusion 312A is convex curved surface 310A. The support portion 31A is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310A.

In modification 1 described above, similarly to the

input devices

1 and 101 of

embodiments

1 and 2, the movable member 3A is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 310A of the support portion 31A. Therefore, according to the input device of modification 1, the reliability can be improved.

2.2 modification 2

Fig. 18 shows a movable member 3B of the input device according to modification 2. The movable member 3B has a support portion 31B different from the support portion 31 of the movable member 3.

More specifically, the movable member 3B has a circular plate shape as a whole, like the movable member 3. The movable member 3B includes an elastically deformable portion 30 and a plurality of (4 in fig. 18) support portions 31B. The movable member 3b is formed of the same material as the movable member 3.

Each support portion 31B has a leg 314 and a plurality of (2 in fig. 18) projections 315. The leg 314 extends from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30 toward the mounting surface S10. The leg 314 is plate-shaped, and has a narrower width toward the front end. The leg 314 has a bent tip. Each projection 315 projects from the tip of the leg 314 toward the mounting surface S10. Each convex portion 315 is hemispherical. Thus, the surface of the convex portion 315 includes a convex curved surface 316. The two projections 315 are arranged in the width direction of the leg 314.

Support portion 31B (leg portion 314 and projection 315) is formed by bending the distal end portion of the metal plate that becomes leg portion 314 of support portion 31B, and forging a part of leg portion 314. Therefore, the convex curved surface 316 is formed by forging processing for forming the convex portion 315. In addition, the radius of curvature of the convex curved surface 316 may be set under the same condition as the radius of curvature R of the convex curved surface 310.

In modification 2 described above, similarly to the

input devices

1 and 101 of

embodiments

1 and 2, the movable member 3B is in contact with the placement surface S10 by the convex curved surface 316 of the support portion 31B. Therefore, the input device of modification 2 can also improve reliability.

In modification 2, the number of convex portions 315 is not limited, and the shape of the convex portions 315 is not limited as long as the surface thereof includes the convex curved surface 316. The convex portion 315 may be located not at the front end of the foot 314 but in the middle abdominal portion. In other words, the position of the convex portion 315 in the leg portion 314 is not particularly limited.

2.3 other modifications

The elastically deformable portion 30 of the movable member 3 may be made of resin instead of metal. The elastically deformable portion 30 is not limited to the dome shape, and may be in an elastically deformable shape. The elastic deformation portion 30 may have a shape that generates a click feeling, but is not limited thereto.

The shape and the like of the support portion 31 are not limited to those of the above embodiments, and can be changed. For example, the leg 311 may be bent at one or more positions in the width direction of the leg 311 such that the middle portion 311b protrudes more than the both end portions 311 a. Similarly, the extension protrusion 312 may be bent at one or more positions in the width direction of the extension protrusion 312 such that the middle portion 312b protrudes further than the both end portions 312 a. For example, the middle portion 311b of the leg portion 311 may not protrude most at the center, but may protrude most at a portion closer to one of the both end portions 311a than the other. Similarly, the intermediate portion 312b of the extension projection 312 may not project most at the center, but may project most at a portion closer to one of the both end portions 312a than the other.

In addition, the radius of curvature of the surface of the leg portion 311 in a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the leg portion 311 protrudes may not be equal to the radius of curvature of the surface of the extension protrusion 312 in a cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the extension protrusion 312 protrudes. The convex curved surface 310 may be not flat but circular in cross section along the width of the boundary portion. The boundary portion may extend in an elliptical arc shape in a plan view. In other words, the boundary portion may extend in a curved shape without extending in a straight line shape in a plan view.

The number of the support portions 31 of the movable member 3 is also not limited. For example, the movable member 3 may have 3 support portions 31, and the 3 support portions 31 may be arranged at equal intervals so as to surround the elastic deformation portion 30. Further, in the case where the movable member 3 has one support portion 31, the support portion 31 may be ring-shaped surrounding the elastic deformation portion 30.

The number of the movable members 3 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of the movable members 3 may be used in a stacked manner. In this case, the magnitude of the operation force necessary for the movable member 3 to bend changes depending on the number of the movable members 3 that are overlapped, and the operation feeling of the input device 1 changes.

The shapes of the case 2, the holder 5, the holding body 6, the 1 st conductive member 91, and the 2 nd conductive member 92 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments.

In a modification, the housing 2 may have a circular shape or a polygonal shape other than a square shape in a plan view.

In a modification, the pressing piece 5 may not protrude from the housing 2. For example, the pressing piece 5 may not be accommodated in the housing 2. In this case, a portion of the cover 22 of the housing 2 covering the pressing piece 5 may have flexibility. In this case, the presser 5 may have conductivity, and may be made of metal, for example.

In a modification, in the 1 st state, there may be no gap between the pusher 5 and the movable member 3. In other words, in the 1 st state, the presser 5 may be in contact with the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3.

In a modification, the holding body 6 may not be made of rubber. The holder 6 may be made of metal, for example, as long as it has conductivity.

In a modification, the pusher 5 and the holding body 6 may not be integrated but may be separate. In this case, the holding body 6 may be fixed to the pusher 5 by an appropriate fixing means such as adhesion. The presser 5 and the holding body 6 are not essential.

In a modification, the number of the 1 st conductive member 91 and the 2 nd conductive member 92 is not particularly limited. The support electrode 921 of the 2 nd conductive member 92 may include two or more electrodes, and for example, the support member may include a plurality of support electrodes 921 corresponding to the plurality of support portions 31 of the movable member 3.

In the above embodiment, the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 constitute a mechanical contact. In a variant, a dielectric layer may be present between the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8, in which case a pressure sensor is constituted. In other words, the movable electrode 8 and the fixed electrode 7 can be used for a mechanical contact or a pressure sensor.

The stroke length of the input device 1, in other words, the amount of movement of the pusher 5 from the 1 st state to the 2 nd state of the input device 1 by the pushing operation can be appropriately set. For example, the input device 1 may be a short stroke type having a short stroke length, a long stroke type having a long stroke length, or a middle stroke type corresponding to the middle of the short stroke type and the long stroke type. The input device 1 is not limited to the normally open type, and may be a normally closed type that is opened only when operated. In other words, the pressing piece 5 of the input device 1 may be configured to press the movable member 3 from the off position to the on position by receiving an external force, or vice versa.

The input device 1 is not limited to a configuration that is used for an operation unit of an apparatus and is operated by a person, and may be used for a detection unit of an apparatus, for example. When the input device 1 is used as a detection unit of an apparatus, the input device 1 is used for position detection of a mechanical component such as an actuator as a limit switch, for example.

3. Means for

One aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure includes: an elastic deformation portion 30 which is bent to protrude upward and includes the movable electrode 8; and a support portion 31 having a leg portion 311 extending to approach downward from the peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion 30, an extension projection 312 extending to approach upward from the leg portion 311, and a connection portion 317 connecting the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312. The leg 311 protrudes in the width direction at a middle portion 311b of the leg 311 between both end portions 311a of the leg 311, a boundary between the leg 311 and the extension protrusion 312 is arc-shaped in a plan view, and a lower surface of the connection portion 317 is a convex curved surface 310 protruding downward.

In another mode of the movable member of the present disclosure, the elastic deformation portion 30 is deformed so that the movable electrode 8 moves downward by being pressed downward.

In another mode of the movable member of the present disclosure, the leg portion 311 is bent to protrude at an intermediate portion 311b of the leg portion 311 located between both end portions 311a of the leg portion 311 in the width direction.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the extension projection 312 projects from an intermediate portion 312b of the extension projection 312 located between both end portions 312a of the extension projection 312 in the width direction.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the extension protruding portion 312 is curved so that an intermediate portion 312b of the extension protruding portion 312 located between both end portions 312a of the extension protruding portion 312 in the width direction protrudes.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion 311b of the leg portion 311 and the intermediate portion 311b of the extension projection 312 project in opposite directions to each other.

In another embodiment of the movable member of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion 312b of the extension projection 312 projects in the 1 st direction (downward approaching direction), and the intermediate portion 311b of the leg 311 projects in the 2 nd direction (upward approaching direction).

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion 311b of the leg portion 311 protrudes most at the center of the two end portions 311a of the leg portion 311.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion 312b of the extension projection 312 protrudes most at the center of the two end portions 312a of the extension projection 312.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the intermediate portion 311b of the leg portion 311 protrudes most at the center.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the lower end of the connecting portion 317 on the lower surface (the convex curved surface 310) is an arc-shaped line having the same height position.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, a boundary between the leg portion 311 and the extension projection 312 is a perfect circular arc shape in a plan view.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the boundary between the leg portion 311 and the extended protrusion 312 is an arc shape having the movable electrode 8 as a center in a plan view.

In another embodiment of the movable member of the present disclosure, the outer periphery of the elastically deforming portion 30 is a circle centered on the movable electrode 8 in a plan view.

According to the above-described aspect, reliability can be improved.

In another embodiment of the movable member of the present disclosure, the elastically deforming portion 30 is dome-shaped, and the center portion of the elastically deforming portion 30 is the movable electrode 8. According to this aspect, the movable member has a click feeling.

In another embodiment of the movable member of the present disclosure, the movable member has conductivity. In this way, reliability can be improved.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the convex curved surface 310 is formed by bending processing for forming the extension protrusion 312. In this way, the movable member 3 can be easily manufactured.

In another embodiment of the movable member of the present disclosure, a plurality of support portions 31 are provided. In this way, the movable member 3 can be stably arranged.

In another aspect of the movable member of the present disclosure, the plurality of support portions 31 radially extend from the movable electrode 8 in a plan view. In this way, the movable member 3 can be stably arranged.

An aspect of the input device of the present disclosure includes: a fixed electrode 7; a base 21(110) having a mounting surface S10(110a) on which the fixed electrode 7 is mounted; and a movable member 3 of the present disclosure. The movable member 3 is placed on the placement surface S10(110a) such that the movable electrode 8 faces the fixed electrode 7, and the convex curved surface 310 of the movable member 3 abuts on the placement surface S10(110 a). In this way, reliability can be improved.

-description of symbols-

1. 101 input device

11 the 1 st terminal

12 nd 2 nd terminal

21. 110 base

3. 3A, 3B movable member

30 elastically deformable portion

31. 31A, 31B support part

310. 310A convex curved surface

311. 311A foot

311a end

311b intermediate part

312. 312A extension projection

312a end

312b intermediate portion

313 curve

314 foot

315 convex part

316 convex curved surface

317 connecting part

7. 111 fixed electrode

8 Movable electrode

81 st plane

82 side 2

921. 112 support electrode

S10, 110a mounting surface.

Claims

1. A movable member is provided with:

an elastic deformation portion which is bent to protrude upward and includes a movable electrode; and

a support portion having a leg portion extending from a peripheral edge of the elastic deformation portion so as to be adjacent downward, an extending protrusion extending from the leg portion so as to be adjacent upward, and a connecting portion connecting the leg portion and the extending protrusion,

the leg portion protrudes at a middle portion of the leg portion located between both end portions of the leg portion in the width direction,

the boundary between the leg portion and the extension protrusion portion is arc-shaped in a plan view,

the lower surface of the connecting part is a convex curved surface protruding downwards.

2. The movable member according to claim 1,

the elastic deformation portion is pressed downward, and deforms such that the movable electrode moves downward.

3. The movable member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the leg portion is bent so that the middle portion of the leg portion located between the both end portions of the leg portion in the width direction protrudes.

4. The movable member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the extension protruding portion protrudes at an intermediate portion of the extension protruding portion located between both end portions of the extension protruding portion in the width direction.

5. The movable member according to claim 4,

the extension protrusion is bent such that the middle portion of the extension protrusion located between the both end portions of the extension protrusion in the width direction protrudes.

6. The movable member according to claim 4,

the intermediate portion of the leg portion and the intermediate portion of the extension protruding portion protrude in mutually opposite directions.

7. The movable member according to claim 6,

the intermediate portion of the extension protrusion protrudes in a 1 st direction,

the intermediate portion of the leg portion protrudes in a 2 nd direction opposite to the 1 st direction.

8. The movable member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the middle portion of the leg portion protrudes most at the center of the both end portions of the leg portion.

9. The movable member according to claim 4,

the middle portion of the extension protrusion protrudes most at the center of the both end portions of the extension protrusion.

10. The movable member according to claim 9,

the middle portion of the foot portion protrudes most centrally.

11. The movable member according to claim 4,

the lower end of the lower surface of the connecting portion is an arc-shaped line having the same height position.

12. The movable member according to claim 4,

the boundary between the leg portion and the extension protrusion is a perfect circular arc shape in a plan view.

13. The movable member according to claim 4,

the boundary between the leg portion and the extending protrusion is in an arc shape with the movable electrode as a center in a plan view.

14. The movable member according to claim 13,

the outer periphery of the elastic deformation portion is a circle having the movable electrode as a center in a plan view.

15. The movable member according to claim 4,

the elastically deforming portion is in the shape of a dome,

the center portion of the elastic deformation portion is the movable electrode.

16. The movable member according to claim 4,

the movable member has conductivity.

17. The movable member according to claim 4,

the convex curved surface is formed by bending processing for forming the extension protruding portion.

18. The movable member according to claim 4,

the movable member is provided with a plurality of support portions,

the plurality of support portions are the support portions, respectively.

19. The movable member of claim 18,

the plurality of support portions extend radially from the movable electrode in a plan view.

20. An input device is provided with:

a fixed electrode;

a base having a mounting surface on which the fixed electrode is mounted; and

the movable member according to claim 4, wherein,

the movable member is placed on the placement surface so that the movable electrode faces the fixed electrode,

the convex curved surface of the movable member abuts against the front storage surface.